President Randall to Become Chancellor, National Presidential Search Launched

March 28, 2013

Albion College President Donna Randall has announced she will conclude her presidency at the end of her six-year term on June 30. The Board of Trustees has asked Randall to continue on as the College's chancellor through June 30, 2014. The board is actively recruiting an interim president for the 2013-14 academic year and is launching a national search for the College's 16th president.

Chancellor to Focus on Fundraising, Educational Partnerships, and National Advocacy

As chancellor, Randall will focus on three critical areas: fundraising for the library and athletic complex renovations, development of educational partnerships, and national advocacy.

"Donna is uniquely suited to advance our efforts in these pivotal development areas and welcomes the opportunity to serve the College in this advocacy role," said board chair Paul Tobias, who led the search committee that hired Randall in 2007.

In her new position, Randall will continue to contribute to The Huffington Post College Blog and will represent Albion College on the Council of Independent Colleges' newly formed Campaign for the Liberal Arts advisory committee. As one of a handful of college and university leaders invited to serve on the committee, Randall will help the CIC articulate the value of liberal arts education in America. She has written, spoken, and lobbied widely on the subject in the last six years.

"In addition to my other roles, I am deeply committed to raising funds to complete two renovation projects started during my presidency—the upgrades in our outdoor athletic facilities and the transformation of the library into a technology-enhanced learning space," Randall said. The library campaign has seen significant success in recent months with major gifts received from the Weatherwax Foundation in Jackson, the Strosacker Foundation in Midland, and from Albion alumni.

"I appreciate that the board has supported my presidency and my desire to move into a broader advocacy role. I look forward to advancing several initiatives and paving the way for a smooth transition," she said.

A Rich and Lasting Legacy of Service

As Albion's first female president, Randall championed a number of bold initiatives that have built on the College's rich 178-year legacy. Chief among them is the Albion Advantage, a four-year career-readiness program that leverages the College's historic strengths in liberal arts education and professional preparation. The Albion Advantage is among the first programs in the nation to fully integrate rigorous study in the arts and sciences, hands-on learning opportunities, and career readiness throughout students' undergraduate years.

"Donna has raised the profile of Albion as a top liberal arts college, skillfully melding academic preparation with career readiness," said Tobias. "This is clearly demonstrated in the alumni who are achieving uncommon success in a difficult employment market."

"Throughout her six-year tenure, Donna has committed herself to strengthening the academic and co-curricular experiences of Albion students—by enhancing facilities, forging international partnerships, and launching the Albion Advantage," he added. "We are grateful for her leadership and support for a vibrant intellectual community that celebrates exceptional teaching and learning."

Board Forms Search Committee

The interim president will assume this role in early summer and serve until the newly appointed president takes office.

The board will also form a presidential search committee composed of invited representatives of the faculty, staff, alumni, student body, community, and trustees. The committee will be chaired by Mark Newell, '77, who heads the board's Academic and Student Affairs Committee. Newell retired in 2011 from the Latham & Watkins law firm where he served as vice chairman and chief operating partner.

The board intends to engage Thomas Courtice, of AGB Search in Washington, D.C., to assist with the search. Courtice knows the College well, having spearheaded the last presidential search.

About Albion

The Albion Advantage. It's the liberal arts. It's career readiness. It's providing you the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need to succeed in college, in your career, and in your life.